The Good Earth takes place during the early twentieth century in China. Wang Lung starts out as just another poor Chinese farmer trying to make a living from his small bit of land. He works hard, follows family traditions, worships the small earth gods that he believes control the land, and values his land over everything because his life is so dependent upon it. However, as his fortune changes, readers see more and more of his true character through his actions. By observing Lung, readers understand how easily someone’s beliefs and values can change with their situation. Although flawed, Wang Lung continues to be the character with whom readers identify and sympathize.
Throughout the novel, Wang Lung demonstrates both his virtues and his faults. One of his faults is avoiding confrontation. This fault is not as clear to readers until after he has children. Several times throughout the novel Wang Lung’s sons take advantage of this trait. When Wang Lung decides to send his older son to school, the younger one begs and whines until his father gives in and allows him to go as well. His sons are not the only ones who use this …show more content…
Several have similar flaws, but have no idea. Role models and idols often seem unreal because they are so perfect. However, no one is perfect. These unreal people just hide their imperfections. Most people find it easier to connect with those who have the same struggles as themselves, but if those people hide them, how can anyone relate? Fictional characters like Wang Lung are so easy to sympathize with because they can’t hide anything from the reader. Every part of their personality shows, the good and the bad. This is what makes them seem so real to the reader. As the American author Richard Bach stated, “If you practice being fictional for a while, you will understand that fictional characters are sometimes more real than people with bodies and